Is Pokémon Bank Ending? Your Comprehensive Guide to the Future of Pokémon Storage
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The short answer is no, Pokémon Bank is not ending entirely, but its role has significantly changed. While the Nintendo 3DS eShop has closed, impacting how you interact with the service, Pokémon Bank remains operational as a free service for transferring your beloved Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. However, you can no longer download the Pokémon Bank app. This article will delve into the details of this transition, answering all your burning questions about the future of Pokémon storage.
What is Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon Bank is a cloud-based storage service designed for the Nintendo 3DS family of consoles. It allowed players to store up to 3,000 Pokémon from various 3DS Pokémon games in online boxes. It served as a bridge, enabling players to transfer Pokémon between compatible 3DS titles like Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.
Why Was Pokémon Bank Important?
Before the introduction of Pokémon HOME, Pokémon Bank was the primary way to consolidate your Pokémon collection across multiple 3DS games. It allowed for safe storage, convenient trading between games, and acted as a crucial stepping stone to move Pokémon from older generations to newer ones. The closure of the 3DS eShop has altered its function, but its role as a transfer tool remains vital.
The Shift to Pokémon HOME
Pokémon HOME is the successor to Pokémon Bank, designed to be the central hub for Pokémon storage across Nintendo Switch games, mobile devices, and even Pokémon GO. While Pokémon Bank was exclusive to the 3DS, Pokémon HOME offers a more versatile and modern solution.
The Relationship Between Bank and HOME
The key takeaway is that Pokémon Bank now serves as a gateway to Pokémon HOME. You can no longer directly transfer Pokémon from 3DS games to Nintendo Switch games. Instead, you must first use Pokémon Bank on your 3DS to move your Pokémon, and then use Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch (or mobile device) to receive them.
Is Pokémon Bank Still Usable?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is still usable for transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. It is currently offered as a free service, meaning you don’t need to pay a subscription fee to utilize its transfer capabilities. However, keep in mind that you can no longer download Pokémon Bank on your 3DS. If you haven’t already downloaded it, you won’t be able to take advantage of this service.
Important Dates to Remember
- March 27, 2023: The Nintendo 3DS eShop closed, and paid passes for Pokémon Bank were discontinued. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter were also removed from the eShop.
- Present: Pokémon Bank remains available as a free service for transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, provided you already downloaded the application.
Transferring Pokémon: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to transfer your Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME:
- Ensure you have Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter downloaded on your 3DS.
- Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS and select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” from the main menu.
- Select which boxes you want to transfer and hit “Done”.
- Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device.
- In Pokémon HOME, select the option to transfer from Pokémon Bank. A Moving Key will be generated.
- Return to Pokémon Bank on your 3DS, select “Begin Move,” and enter the Moving Key.
- Your Pokémon will be transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
- **Ensure the transfer is complete on *Pokemon Home*, as an incomplete transfer could lead to problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pokémon Bank and its future:
1. What happens when Pokémon Bank shuts down permanently?
Nintendo has not announced a specific shutdown date for Pokémon Bank. However, it is safe to assume that it will eventually be discontinued. When that happens, you will no longer be able to transfer Pokémon from your 3DS games to Pokémon HOME using Pokémon Bank. Therefore, it is highly recommended to transfer your Pokémon as soon as possible.
2. Do I lose my Pokémon if my Pokébank subscription expires?
Since Pokémon Bank is now a free service, subscriptions are no longer relevant. However, in the past, if your subscription expired, there was a period of time before the Pokemon in your Bank boxes would be lost. It is always best to transfer your Pokémon sooner rather than later to avoid any potential issues.
3. Will Pokémon Bank shut down on 3DS?
Pokémon Bank is still operational on the 3DS for the sole purpose of transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. While other 3DS online services have been discontinued, Pokémon Bank remains functional for this specific task.
4. Why is Pokémon Bank becoming free?
Pokémon Bank became free after the closure of the 3DS eShop as a way to allow players to continue transferring their Pokémon to the newer Pokémon HOME service without further cost.
5. Will Pokémon Bank be free after 2023?
Yes, Pokémon Bank has been free since March 27, 2023, and there is no indication that this will change in the foreseeable future.
6. Will Pokémon Bank be unusable?
Pokémon Bank is no longer available for download, but it is still usable for transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME if you already have it installed on your 3DS. You can no longer purchase a subscription for Pokémon Bank.
7. Can Pokémon Bank detect hacked Pokémon?
Pokémon Bank has some ability to detect and prevent hacked Pokémon from being transferred. If it identifies a Pokémon as illegitimate, it will not allow you to move it to Pokémon HOME.
8. What happens if you put a hacked Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
If you manage to transfer a hacked Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, it may become a “Bad Egg”, rendering it unusable and taking up a storage space. However, it’s unlikely you will be banned.
9. What happens if I don’t pay for Pokebank?
Since Pokébank is now free, you don’t need to worry about paying for it.
10. Is Pokémon HOME free?
Pokémon HOME offers both a free Basic Plan and a paid Premium Plan. The Basic Plan allows you to store a limited number of Pokémon, while the Premium Plan offers increased storage capacity and additional features.
11. What games can transfer to Pokémon Bank?
You can transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Bank from the following 3DS games:
- Pokémon X
- Pokémon Y
- Pokémon Omega Ruby
- Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
- Pokémon Sun
- Pokémon Moon
- Pokémon Ultra Sun
- Pokémon Ultra Moon
12. How do I transfer Pokémon from DS to Switch?
You can transfer Pokémon from DS games to Switch games. DS Pokémon games must first be transferred to Pokémon Bank, and then to Pokémon Home.
13. What is the difference between Pokémon Bank and HOME?
Pokémon Bank is a 3DS-exclusive storage service, while Pokémon HOME is a more comprehensive service that supports Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, and even Pokémon GO. Pokémon HOME is the current central hub for Pokémon storage, while Pokémon Bank serves as a bridge for transferring Pokémon from 3DS games.
14. How many Pokémon can Bank hold?
In Pokémon Bank, you can store a total of 3,000 Pokémon. This is divided into 100 boxes, each holding 30 Pokémon.
15. Is it still worth keeping a 3DS around for Pokémon Bank transfers?
If you have a large collection of Pokémon in your 3DS games that you want to transfer to Pokémon HOME, then keeping your 3DS around is essential. While Pokémon Bank may eventually be discontinued, it is currently the only way to bring your Pokémon from those older games to newer ones.
Conclusion
While the closure of the 3DS eShop marked a change in how we interact with Pokémon Bank, the service continues to play a vital role in the Pokémon ecosystem. As long as you have downloaded the app on your 3DS, it remains a free and essential tool for transferring your cherished Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, ensuring they can continue their journey with you on the Nintendo Switch. Don’t delay – transfer your Pokémon today!
For more insights into gaming and learning, explore the resources at the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society examines how games can be leveraged for educational purposes.